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Architecture and design are fascinating topics. There’s a seemingly never-ending discussion about the right balance between function and form, and we’ve recently written about the importance of ordinary beauty, as well as the disturbing trend of design homogenization. So naturally, we believe that aesthetics and artistic expression are definitely worth protecting. Here’s the issue though: should aesthetics trump safety?

To help you ponder this question, we’re featuring some of the very best posts from the r/ArchitectureForAdults subreddit (and a select few from elsewhere). It’s a niche online community that has a very unique perspective on the world. The members share photos and videos of truly gorgeous architectural and engineering designs that flirt with the line between safe and unsafe.

Scroll down and upvote your fave pics! Let us know which of these designs wowed you the most… and which scared the bejesus outta ya! If you’re anything like me and have a not-so-subtle fear of heights and falling, then you might want to hang on to your hats, Pandas. You’re about to get a big dose of vertigo. Go on ahead, I’ll be right with you, I just need to collect myself for a bit.

Bored Panda got in touch with an urban planner and designer from Sweden to get her opinion about the r/ArchitectureForAdults subreddit. She was kind enough to share her thoughts about safety and security in public spaces, as well as why the sub's tagline might not work in real life.

#1

Mural On The Back Of Acme Incorporated

Mural On The Back Of Acme Incorporated

jabbett Report

The Swedish urban planner and designer asked Bored Panda to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of her job but was otherwise happy to shed some light on the entire debate regarding safety and security. Bored Panda was interested to get her opinion as to where safety lies in the hierarchy of priorities for someone like her.

"Safety is self-evidently a top priority to an urban designer. I doubt this hierarchy is ever questioned besides the occasional self-centered architect and designer who de-prioritize safety in favor of an original design. However, if a space is to be usable and livable, at least a threshold of safety compliance has to be achieved," she told us.

At the same time, the expert noted that there may be instances where governments might decide that, unfortunately, safety 'should' be overlooked for a "more cost-effective choice."

"Each government establishes and enforces safety guidelines that the built environment must follow," the expert told us, adding that the discussion then moves on to what safety entails to different governments and societies.

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    #2

    Almost Pulled A Michael Scott While Delivering Groceries Today

    Almost Pulled A Michael Scott While Delivering Groceries Today

    Samxvalle Report

    #3

    You Don‘T Need To Be Drunk Anymore

    You Don‘T Need To Be Drunk Anymore

    Zerfallsgesetz Report

    Nathaniel
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My eyes are screwed up enough as it is.

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    "The concept of safety and security in urban design conversations usually primarily refers to crime prevention (for example, decent night-time lighting, CCTV cameras), transportation infrastructure safety ( traffic accident prevention, walkability), or more social aspects like livability (how the environment can foster a healthier and more inclusive society)."

    According to the urban planner, small-scale objects like railings on a bridge or warning signs "usually follow straightforward building regulations and do not generate much debate."

    The expert stressed that the perception of whether or not something is 'safe enough' will differ from government to government and society to society.

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    #4

    "Stairs"

    "Stairs"

    Mod-Bait69 Report

    TheAquarius1978
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dude, i'm blind from my left eye which means i have no depth perception, which causes me vertigo, in sum, i would probably die of broken neck syndrome on these stairs....

    Micah
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have 20/20 vision and no vertigo problems, yet my corpse would be at the bottom of those stairs cushioning your fall.

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    Kenny Kulbiski
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those aren't stairs. Those are really tall rock ladders.

    Trisha Howson
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes they are why didn't any one mention that before.....🤣🤣🤣 You got a good point

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    Kayjunmoon
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    BP please give us details about these photos. Pandas are curious creatures.

    Uncanny
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can’t even go further than the first rung on a ladder. Just like when I was a kid and friends went on the roller coaster….I’ll stay here and hold your bags.

    Shauna Voigt
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same. I was the official purse holder in my teen years.

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    Nimues Child
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do these stairs honestly go full 90 degrees? I mean, how do you even...?

    Ex-teacher
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope. Trees at the top left would be growing vertical. Turn your picture until they're vertical and the stairs on the right now have horizontal tops. Also look at how the chains hang. I call Photoshop

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    Lesley Christie
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wouldn't go up those steps purely because a slight mis-step could be fatal. Never mind the other people you might take out on your way down. Anything that requires perfection from a human being is a big nope from me.

    Nathaniel
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have puny arms, no good for me.

    Trisha Howson
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey I could see the rock climb them and not dieing

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    Marguerite Janiszyn
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    http://adventurewithoutend.com/2013/07/27/stepping-up-the-climbing-of-hua-shan/

    Zophra
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hmmm... I would like to see the handicap accessiblity. /s

    A Jones
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is quite the steep challenge. ;J

    AgreeD 2
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The secret way into mordor

    Id row
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not so much stairs as vertical grooves in the wall made to look like stairs.

    Benita Valdez
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My knees gave out just looking at the picture

    Glass Ghost
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll just the normal stairs to the left and hope it leads somewhere pretty 😅

    The Crushinator
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh well, guess i won't be the dragon warrior then..

    Mimi M
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You guys might like this: https://www.elitereaders.com/most-dangerous-places-to-visit/

    Tina Smith
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you! You're right, that's an interesting article.

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    suptho
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not stairs, stone ladders.

    Ada Hunter
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    imagine going down these…..

    Duesvolent90
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh geez, new level of anxiety has been unlocked...

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    Robert T
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love the way it gets steeper part way up!

    Bored_Panda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Take the stairs on the left 🙂

    James Ehrlich
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm 100% blind in my left eye and have no depth perception only when sitting in front of my workbench, which is a pain, since I have to look at my workpiece from a few different perspectives just to drill a straight hole - but as soon as one starts moving, foreground objects move across one's field of view faster than the background objects, granting you depth perception. I can ride my motorcycle precisely at speed on all of our mountain roads, split lanes during high traffic, no problem. These stairs would not be difficult, partly because I would use my foot to make absolutely sure my eye was informing me correctly. Push those boundaries folks, 2D disappears as soon as you start moving.

    Nat Rich
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm picking the ones on the left!

    Andreas
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Makes me think of the stairs of Citith Ungol.

    kcanded
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Let's not forget the totally supportable hand-rails (ahem) chains to help you up. I'd break hands and wrists trying to hang onto those.

    Shauna Freund
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just a plain no for me..easy on the ice

    Quinn Nix
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Better be sure you're fit and able enough to use these ladder-stairs. If you get halfway up before you realize you can't make it all the way, you're in trouble.

    Jessica Julian
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Obviously, MC Escher designed this...

    Duesvolent90
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just looking at the chain to the guys left that is missing, should make everyone nope all the way to the leftest stairs...

    Nina
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think they mean "ladders".

    Grey Blue
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What in the broken neck is this?!?

    Family Hex
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is typical of Naval vessals.

    BearMeetsPug
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, in their defense there are 3 options available, one of which is a very normal-looking set of stairs, so if someone incapable of climbing the extreme vertical ones tries to, then maybe natural selection is at play and taking them out of the equation! Just saying!

    David Henry
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is THE stairway to have at your front door if you're a hermit who also really hates people and wants all of them to know it.

    Jknbt
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so where is this? Details, please. Darwin award time...

    Krista Salerno
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    http://adventurewithoutend.com/2013/07/27/stepping-up-the-climbing-of-hua-shan/ Location for those that want to know where this death trap is.

    Molly Block
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Difficulty level: Beginner, intermediate, expert.

    Elspeth Marple
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    With stairs like this, where's the slide? Surely a slide would have been easier to build than that!!!!

    IamMe
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Three different difficulty levels to get to the top.

    Yourname942
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would classify these as ladders rather than stairs

    Ozzie Ogawa
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope, especially during winter and rainy season

    Microwaved Robot
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are ladders disguised as Stairs

    Diana Pahule
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those aren't stairs, that's a stone ladder.

    Robert Robi Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I dislocated a few joints just looking at this...

    Claire Pusey
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This… idk if I would fall or not but chances are, yes I would fall 😂

    Brenda S
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a reoccurring nightmare I have ….

    Celtic Pirate Queen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Visiting the "Cliffs at Gila" was the first time I realized a) I'm terrified of heights and b) I have a pinched nerve in my neck causing vertigo. I literally had to have a friend "shadow" me while climbing down the stairs. They raised KIDS up there????

    Mary Jaye
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    are these the steps of death in South America? my dentist and his wife went up them.

    Pandasaur
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stairway to heaven , indeed

    Ronnie Beaton
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My knees hurt just looking at this.

    Peggy J.
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's called a ladder...........

    Amaranthim Talon
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    http://adventurewithoutend.com/2013/07/27/stepping-up-the-climbing-of-hua-shan/

    Cathy Carey
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stairs/ladder They need a loose chain hanging right down the middle so you can use it while climbing/scaling

    Adam Francis
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They need to put in a wheelchair ramp

    Mizuki Ukitake
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Dangerous for morons, safe for everyone else". I think you mean safe for the able-bodied. Jesus, half of these designs would kill someone if they had an eye problem, or a bad knee.

    Ladi Fuller
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, this just looks dangerous.

    Amy Stone-Chandler
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I could physically climb stairs like that, by theory, I could just rock climb lol. "Computer says ....NO"

    Mark Fuller
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Am I the only one who thinks these would be good fun?!

    Cassie Mathias
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Obviously you are meant to take the stairs to the left. Why are people talking like they have to climb the steep stairs?! lol The middle one is for mountain climbers and the right one is perhaps for natural selection. 😆

    Cassie Mathias
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Obviously you supposed to take the stairs to the far left. The middle one is for mountain climbers and the right one is just to see how smart you are. lol

    Judy Stembridge
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope. Nope. And nope again. A person would have to be in peak physical condition to tackle this and I wouldn’t take more than a couple of steps without a tether to keep me from falling killing my self and others.

    Victoria
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope not at all anything I would willing do

    Liz Davis
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually have nightmares about these kind of stairs!

    Kainan Bayliss
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Two things pop immediately to mind: 1.ye gads 2. Is that the way back down too?

    Tinaaa
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm afraid of heights, so NO

    Nicole Schmidt-fiber Sculptor
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oooooooh! So THIS is what shoots and ladders would be like in real life!

    raprent
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The steps of Cirith Ungol (L.O.T.R.)

    Avocado Toast
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah yes. My favourite set of stairs.

    Susan S
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love how the guy is pulling on the chain, thinking "would this keep me from dying?"

    Colin Timp
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is there a tunnel with a giant spider at the top?

    Samiksha
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When nature and ppl want u to die..

    Deidre Goodluck
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My knees just asked me to stop looking at that. It upsets them

    Maggie Poling
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s like the stairs to Mordor.

    Kamie Jones
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope nope nope. Call me a moron bc I wouldn't even try.

    Sand Castle
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have recurring nightmares....this is one! The other one is looking for a useable toilet...

    ali lilley
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love these, where are they!?

    𝖊𝖆
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aladdin and the Cave of Wonders!

    Tonia Sizemore
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are there three sets of these stairs

    Cerise Hood
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are those even meant to be climbed? they were probably exposed to a lot more elements than the one at the far left.

    Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    According to Reddit these are “natural stairs” that are part of the Mt.Hua hike in China.

    Jill Hojnacki
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No. There'd better be another way out, or someone needs to drop a lot of supplies, because I'm going to be living there.

    RafCo (he/him)
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is nothing at the top that could be worth that climb

    My O My
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it possible to climb up?

    Th3_Narrat0r
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is from my nightmares, literally.

    Uber Mensch
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not in this life, or the next!

    Heather Talma
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen these before. In nightmares.

    SuperChicken
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've had nightmares like these, where the stairs are these steep. YIKES!

    Daycare Attendant Sun
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nah, you see, well, you see, um, uh, I got nothin'. For real, though, is it a design choice, did plates shift somewhere? I actually really want to know.

    Alexander
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    cool where is this? I want to travel therr

    KM
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    China, Hua Shan. I'd say this photo is not even doing it justice, it's even wilder than that. So cool)

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    #5

    This Staircase

    This Staircase

    whitae Report

    Sergy Yeltsen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Forget about walking on them while drunk, I couldn't do it if I was sober.

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    #6

    All These Houses Are Connected By A Pool

    All These Houses Are Connected By A Pool

    Starlord2047 Report

    Tomasz Zakrzewski
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On the one hand, this is really cool. On the other, maintenance and changing water must be hell, and stupidly wasteful.

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    "Meanwhile, judging ethically, ‘safe enough’ cannot be achieved until there are absolutely no more traffic accidents and other types of injuries caused by the built environment. Therefore, an urban designer will always strive to achieve more safety."

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    The urban planner and designer also added that she sees an issue with the tagline that the r/ArchitectureForAdults subreddit uses, about how only 'morons' would feel unsafe. "Adults, too, can suffer from clumsiness. Even intelligent adults are not safe from this curse."

    #7

    In The 20’s, Fiat Had A Test Track On Top Of Their Production Warehouse

    In The 20’s, Fiat Had A Test Track On Top Of Their Production Warehouse

    piefordays Report

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    #8

    Bruh

    Bruh

    abyigit Report

    TheAquarius1978
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nop, and i'm a pretty goog driver, but still no

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    #9

    Just Don’t Swing It Side To Side Too Much

    Just Don’t Swing It Side To Side Too Much

    TraumaticAcid Report

    Trillian
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not as bad as it looks. It's Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - Trevor, Wrexham, Wales. Search for pictures and you can see that the sides are actually a bit higher than the angle makes it look. No way you could row your canoe over the edge.

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    At the time of writing, r/ArchitectureForAdults had exactly 3,761 members. We hope that the community grows and expands over time because the content they share is very interesting. It’s also good mental prep for when you go traveling abroad!

    You can’t expect every single place to have the exact same safety standards that you’re used to. You have to focus and not wander about daydreaming when you’ve got tiny stone steps in front of you, railings that don’t even come up to your knees, and double-decker buses that you can just hop on by grabbing the pole.

    From the perspective of r/ArchitectureForAdults, we shouldn’t have to sacrifice beauty and ingenuity for the sake of safety. The subreddit claims that all of these designs are “unsafe for morons but safe for everyone else.”

    Though, personally, I feel like it’s ridiculous to have railings too low. Safety and beauty can coexist, you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice one for the other, I feel. And, to be honest, just because a design is unique doesn't automatically make it beautiful.

    #10

    Construction Of The Hindenburg- Yes, Those Are Ladders

    Construction Of The Hindenburg- Yes, Those Are Ladders

    TheBirdman532 Report

    Mommitude Attitude
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did they make these ladders specifically for this?

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    #11

    These Obstacles Are Almost Invisible On The Bike Lane

    These Obstacles Are Almost Invisible On The Bike Lane

    reddit.com Report

    #12

    What Was Their First Idea, Stairs Made Made From Piles Of Rusty Nails?

    What Was Their First Idea, Stairs Made Made From Piles Of Rusty Nails?

    jonmpls Report

    TheAquarius1978
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well this actually makes sence If you want to cover all your bases, off you fall down a flight of stairs you may brake your neck and die but its not a sure thing, but here it is, even if you don't die from a broken neck, sure as f**k you Will die from brain trauma, after hitting those boulders with your head...

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    Whatever your feelings towards safety, you can’t deny that there are certain minimalist trends sweeping the world. Designs are starting to look and feel homogenized. Not just in architecture and in corporate art but also in urban spaces, as well as corporate logos. Everything’s starting to feel a bit too functional, with less emphasis on the form.

    Consumer psychology specialist Matt Johnson, a professor at Hult International Business School and Harvard University, very recently explained to us why we’re seeing a certain level of design homogenization, especially in terms of brand logos. He saw a few reasons for this trend that has led to fewer unique designs being used.

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    “The first is that as we move towards a more digital environment, there’s a need to make brand logos as legible and as easy to identify as possible. The consumer’s attention is strained even more in the online world, so logos can’t afford to be disfluent or challenging to process,” he told Bored Panda earlier.

    #13

    Meteora Monasteries, Greece

    Meteora Monasteries, Greece

    fleebinflobbin Report

    Robert T
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've visited several of them. Truly fascinating places. One was famously used in a Bond film. Most of them now have some kind of access. This one would appear to have a "cable car" - you can see the wires and terminus right by the Greek flag.

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    #14

    The Storseisundet Bridge In Norway

    The Storseisundet Bridge In Norway

    petershaw_ Report

    Anyone-for-tea?
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is beautiful, don’t think this belongs here.

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    #15

    This 1930s Design Let You Hang Your Baby Over The Side Of A Building In A Cage

    This 1930s Design Let You Hang Your Baby Over The Side Of A Building In A Cage

    Honeyontoast123 Report

    Brandon Marlowe
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fresh air,.. check. Sunshine,.. check. Pigeon droppings,.. check. Lifelong acrophobia,.. check.

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    “Secondly, there also may be a growing realization of the ‘fluency effect’: the relatively robust behavioral science phenomenon that the more fluent a font is written in, the more likable and trustworthy the message. As more brands become familiar with this phenomenon, they may want to test new, more fluently written logos to capitalize on this effect,” the professor told us.

    #16

    Step Out Of A Bathtub Down A Flight Of Stairs, Anyone?

    Step Out Of A Bathtub Down A Flight Of Stairs, Anyone?

    TheLoneGinger9 Report

    #17

    This Architect Accidentally Built A Death Ray That Melts Cars And Fries Eggs... Again

    This Architect Accidentally Built A Death Ray That Melts Cars And Fries Eggs... Again

    badsalad Report

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    #18

    The Cannonball Loop Waterslide, A Slide So Dangerous It Was Shutdown Almost Immediately After Opening

    The Cannonball Loop Waterslide, A Slide So Dangerous It Was Shutdown Almost Immediately After Opening

    metricrules Report

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    “While this logo trend is seen across a wide array of industries, there may be only one or two within each industry that may make this change, since if everyone did, they would not be differentiating as well. There may be a broader implication of this: if companies begin to recognize that consumers, at least in digital environments, prefer more basic logo designs, brands will rush to be the first in their industry to do so to plant their flag first. While all brands want to be at the razor’s edge of consumer preferences, no brand wants to be seen as the copycat of their competitor,” Professor Johnson noted.

    #19

    Yes, It’s A Door

    Yes, It’s A Door

    Report

    #20

    Hope You Don’t Drop Anything

    Hope You Don’t Drop Anything

    IrishPubstar Report

    T.
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guys I know we just arrived, but I need to pee.

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    #21

    On The Floor Of Doctor's Office. If You Trip On It, You're In The Right Place

    On The Floor Of Doctor's Office. If You Trip On It, You're In The Right Place

    Chriss899 Report

    Kayjunmoon
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, I own up. I love this but it would have to be on a part of the floor where no one walks.

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    “I imagine the general trend will persist, especially in the digital environment. If it turns out to be the case that more basic, legible logos are more suitable for online preferences, we may also move to a system where each major brand has at least two distinct brand logos: one in the digital world, and one for the physical world. This is already happening to a certain extent since many brands that have gone to a more basic font haven’t completely jettisoned their originals and retained them for specific uses,” the consumer psychology specialist said.

    #22

    A Footbridge With Knee-High Sides

    A Footbridge With Knee-High Sides

    MaxPowerzs Report

    #23

    Indian Stepwells | The Construction Of Stepwells Is Mainly Utilitarian, Though They May Include Embellishments Of Architectural Significance, And Be Temple Tanks

    Indian Stepwells | The Construction Of Stepwells Is Mainly Utilitarian, Though They May Include Embellishments Of Architectural Significance, And Be Temple Tanks

    wikipedia_it Report

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    #24

    Stairwell In A Hotel I Stayed In

    Stairwell In A Hotel I Stayed In

    Hun10dog Report

    excuse.you
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I will probably be gripping on to the handrail like a baby koala riding the back of a cat walking across a tightrope upside down while having fire being thrown at it while being 500.00000000000000001million metres above a pool full of dolphins and skinwalkers.

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    “Since branding is fundamentally about differentiation, there will be an upper limit to how much brand logos can homogenize and go together on a single dimension. It’s great to adapt to new consumer preferences, but if every brand does that in the same way, it fails to differentiate in a significant way. This is why I think there is a ‘race’ within each industry to be the first to do so, which then makes things more difficult for their competitors: should they persist in making their logo more basic, at the risk of looking like a copycat? Or should they cede that positioning and devise a way to differentiate by some other means?” he mused.

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    #25

    Oh No

    Oh No

    Chriss899 Report

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    #26

    Window That Turns Into A Balcony

    Window That Turns Into A Balcony

    TheGr8Canadian Report

    Sasha
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "why are there footprints on your window?"

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    #27

    I Don't Even Know Where To Begin

    I Don't Even Know Where To Begin

    drillbit16 Report

    Brandi Delph
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually like this a lot. I would fall and die the very first time I used the stairs, but I do like the aesthetic

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    #28

    Looks Too Easy To Slip And Fall

    Looks Too Easy To Slip And Fall

    desraR Report

    Janine Schmitz
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the Rakotz-Bridge was not intended to be used - stepping onto it is prohibited. It was only built to look nice as a garden architecture highlight.

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    #29

    Wavy Stairs To Make Going Downstairs More Fun

    Wavy Stairs To Make Going Downstairs More Fun

    mugbee0 Report

    Astra-nomical
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The way I'd step in every wrong spot and plummet down the stairs

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    #30

    Hammock Bathtub

    Hammock Bathtub

    LagoonRoom Report

    Béatrice Gallet
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My big concerne would be : how to clean under it with all of the dusty Peebles ?

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    #31

    This Infinity Pool

    This Infinity Pool

    DaPizzaDoctah Report

    #32

    Emergency Exit Looks Like Emergency By Itself

    Emergency Exit Looks Like Emergency By Itself

    Report

    Astra-nomical
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If there's a fire or anything you just have to do some parkour! Super easy when there is impending doom! :D

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    #33

    I Always Wanted A Treehouse

    I Always Wanted A Treehouse

    deadburgerboy Report

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    #34

    What Kind Of Stairs Is That Even????

    What Kind Of Stairs Is That Even????

    Lolammo Report

    Laura Ketteridge
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These stairs are great. Instead of each tread using up the width of the staircase, you can fit in two steps. This is wonderful for confined spaces. It takes up about the same space as a ladder, but it's steps instead of rungs. The photograph has been taken from the top of the stairs, looking down. The steps are flat triangles. Start of with your right foot, then left on the next step down, continue until the bottom of the stairs.

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    #35

    Train To Machu Picchu With A Balcony

    Train To Machu Picchu With A Balcony

    robotevil Report

    MiriPanda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, so? I would certainly stand on that balcony.

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    #36

    Skyslide At OUE Skyspace In Los Angeles, CA | An Outdoor Glass Slide That’s Attached To The Exterior Of The U.S. Bank Tower. The Skyslide Is 45 Feet Long, About Four Feet Wide And Made Entirely With 1.25-Inch Glass. Visitors Glide From The 70th To The 69th Floor. Now Permanently Closed

    Skyslide At OUE Skyspace In Los Angeles, CA | An Outdoor Glass Slide That’s Attached To The Exterior Of The U.S. Bank Tower. The Skyslide Is 45 Feet Long, About Four Feet Wide And Made Entirely With 1.25-Inch Glass. Visitors Glide From The 70th To The 69th Floor. Now Permanently Closed

    wikipedia_it Report

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    #37

    Internal Staircase For People Who Like Every Trip To Be An Adventure, And No Longer Have Children

    Internal Staircase For People Who Like Every Trip To Be An Adventure, And No Longer Have Children

    MightyTribble Report

    Astra-nomical
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who needs kids when you can have... ✨Fancy stairs!✨ Now with even less railing!

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    #38

    These Urinals Where You Can Look Out To The Street. Windows Aren’t Tinted At All So You Can Also See In. Even Has A Sink On Top Of Each One

    These Urinals Where You Can Look Out To The Street. Windows Aren’t Tinted At All So You Can Also See In. Even Has A Sink On Top Of Each One

    Starlord2047 Report

    #39

    The Statue Of Liberty’s Torch, New York, NY

    The Statue Of Liberty’s Torch, New York, NY

    The torch has been closed since the "Black Tom" explosion of July 30, 1916, which was one of the largest acts of sabotage to our nation prior to the event of pearl harbor on December 7, 1941

    wikipedia_it Report

    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It was closed because shrapnel from the explosion struck the statue, and caused damage to the arm. Visitors were putting undue stress on that part of the statue anyway, and the decision was made to close it off. You can visit the original torch (replaced in 1986) in the museum.

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    #40

    Adult Transportation

    Adult Transportation

    pinkflyingpigs Report

    Trillian
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow that is rather steep for a zip line

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    #41

    The Hanging Temple In China, And It’s Thigh High Guard Rails

    The Hanging Temple In China, And It’s Thigh High Guard Rails

    Komex_ Report

    Katie Lutesinger
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Going up there would definitely make me suddenly feel the need to get religion.

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    #42

    Couldn’t Get A Good Seat? Risk Your Life Trying To Watch The Game!

    Couldn’t Get A Good Seat? Risk Your Life Trying To Watch The Game!

    tdalbert Report

    Nimues Child
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are not enough "nopes" in all the world for this scenario.

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    #43

    Montagne De Bueren Staircase In Liège, Belgium | In 2013, It Was Ranked As #1 On The Huffington Post's List Of Most Extreme Staircases

    Montagne De Bueren Staircase In Liège, Belgium | In 2013, It Was Ranked As #1 On The Huffington Post's List Of Most Extreme Staircases

    wikipedia_it Report

    Robert T
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well you'd be huffington and puffington by the time you got to the top!

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    #44

    God Forbid You Have A Baby Or A Little Dog

    God Forbid You Have A Baby Or A Little Dog

    NeogeneRiot Report

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    #45

    I Can See Many Kids Falling

    I Can See Many Kids Falling

    DoritoPup Report

    Virtually Fabulous
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ohh there was a park by my house with one of those... Scared the c**p out of my 8yo self lol

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    #46

    Imagine Going Down On These Stairs

    Imagine Going Down On These Stairs

    burcbuluklu Report

    #47

    Hudson Yards Vessel, In New York City, NY | Often Debated On Its Construction For Being Too Easy For Imbeciles To Jump/Fall Off

    Hudson Yards Vessel, In New York City, NY | Often Debated On Its Construction For Being Too Easy For Imbeciles To Jump/Fall Off

    wikipedia_it Report

    Sasha
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually theres much more to this. Ask a mortician (Caitlin) on YouTube did a vid on this and goes into what kind of places people choose to commit suicide, responsible architecture and the general social ramifications of that structure and the project around it

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    #48

    Accident Prone

    Accident Prone

    HibbityBibbityBop Report

    Nimues Child
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this photoshopped? Perspectives look off...

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    #49

    Somebody Told Me To Post This Here

    Somebody Told Me To Post This Here

    IsItKandar Report

    Wilf
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's quite common in Victorian worker's houses in the UK. Saves a lot of space.

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    #50

    They Put A Trampoline In The Sky

    They Put A Trampoline In The Sky

    reddit Report

    Gemma Nunn
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This ones actually not that bad, they built the largest trampoline in the world and if you look at a video in which they use the trampoline the rails are actually pretty high. (it's Drew Dirkson's trampoline btw if u want to look it up)

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    #51

    Paternoster Lifts At Prague City Hall

    Paternoster Lifts At Prague City Hall

    robotevil Report

    GlixDrap
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worked in a office in the UK in the early 80s and there was one of these. It covered 5 or 6 floors. Never remember anyone getting hurt using it.

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    #52

    Ponte Dei Salti A Bridge With Knee-High Sides In Ticino (Southern Switzerland)

    Ponte Dei Salti A Bridge With Knee-High Sides In Ticino (Southern Switzerland)

    AimlessCK Report

    Brooke Klein
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People really are afraid in this post with all the "knee high" bridge photos. You go your whole life without giant walls around you. It's this weird thing called walking

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    #53

    This House Near Goose Creek, Alaska

    This House Near Goose Creek, Alaska

    Cw2e Report

    Nimues Child
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is pretty cool. It looks like you could take an old mine cart from top to bottom!

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    #54

    Let Me Show You Around The House.. Wait Don’t Go There!

    Let Me Show You Around The House.. Wait Don’t Go There!

    depressionandregret Report

    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it a house or a business? Way back it was pretty common to unload goods to a second-floor warehouse above a store. They would already be on a wagon or truck 1/4 of the way up and it was easier than hefting them down to ground level and then back up stairs.

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    #55

    Zen Yikes

    Zen Yikes

    ricochetblue Report

    Debbie Barnes
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not as bad as some of the stairs on here. At least you have poles to hold onto.. And it looks so beautiful and neat.

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    #56

    It’s Fine, Nothing To Worry About

    It’s Fine, Nothing To Worry About

    The-Doulingo-Owl Report

    Little king trash mouth
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like my 3 year old's Lego towers that cause him angst when falling over immediately after construction.

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    #57

    1880 Switchback Railway At The Hotel Arcadia, Santa Monica

    1880 Switchback Railway At The Hotel Arcadia, Santa Monica

    NaotoNakada Report

    #58

    Massive Retractable Windows On This Train In Switzerland

    Massive Retractable Windows On This Train In Switzerland

    SirConnorMa Report

    Ivana Bašić
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Old trains in Croatia still have windows like this.

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    #59

    Night At The Drive In

    Night At The Drive In

    illegal_brain Report

    #60

    Just Hop On And Off The Back As The Bus Slows Down

    Just Hop On And Off The Back As The Bus Slows Down

    InterestingComputer5 Report

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    #61

    Guardrails? We Don't Need No Stinking Guardrails

    Guardrails? We Don't Need No Stinking Guardrails

    PersnickityPenguin Report

    Laura Ketteridge
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why would you need guard rails on a bridge like this?

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    #62

    Autobahn, Germany's Highways, Have No Speed Limits

    Autobahn, Germany's Highways, Have No Speed Limits

    thoxo Report

    Trillian
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well that is not entirely true. There are lots of places where a speed limit is in place (the part shown in the pic is 100 to 120 km/h), we just don't have a general speed limit (yet). But yeah, you better look before pulling into the left lane.

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    #63

    Skylight For Adults

    Skylight For Adults

    bp332106 Report

    Nitka Tsar
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What‘s so bad about this? Are you all really so scared? Don‘t you have common sense anymore?

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    #64

    Spiral Staircase In The Middle Of The House

    Spiral Staircase In The Middle Of The House

    MemberBerryLarry Report

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